cross stroke: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowTechnical/Specialist
Quick answer
What does “cross stroke” mean?
A horizontal line that intersects a vertical or diagonal line in writing or typography.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A horizontal line that intersects a vertical or diagonal line in writing or typography.
In typography, the horizontal stroke that crosses the stem of a letter such as 't' or 'f'. In calligraphy, a deliberate horizontal stroke crossing a vertical one. In sports (golf, cricket), a type of swing or shot that moves across the intended line.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning. In sports contexts (e.g., cricket commentary), the term might be slightly more frequent in British English.
Connotations
Neutral and technical in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both UK and US English, confined to specialist fields.
Grammar
How to Use “cross stroke” in a Sentence
The [letter] has a distinctive cross stroke.The calligrapher executed the cross stroke with precision.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cross stroke” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The golfer was advised not to cross stroke the ball from that stance.
- In italic script, you cross stroke the 't' quite low.
American English
- The designer will cross stroke the 'f' to match the 't'.
- He tends to cross stroke his putts, causing them to miss right.
adverb
British English
- The letter was written cross-stroke, following the medieval style.
American English
- He putted cross-stroke, leading to an inconsistent roll.
adjective
British English
- The cross-stroke detail on the 'A' is a hallmark of this typeface.
- He has a problematic cross-stroke swing in cricket.
American English
- The cross-stroke serif is very pronounced.
- Her cross-stroke technique in golf needs work.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in branding or design discussions about logos and typography.
Academic
Used in studies of typography, palaeography, graphic design, and history of writing.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Standard term in typography, font design, calligraphy, and some sports coaching.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cross stroke”
- Using 'cross stroke' to refer to any diagonal line.
- Confusing it with 'serif' (which is a small decorative stroke).
- Using it in general writing to mean 'a stroke of luck that crosses your path'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is typically written as two separate words ('cross stroke'), though it can be hyphenated ('cross-stroke') when used as a compound modifier (e.g., 'cross-stroke technique').
In typography, they are often synonymous, both referring to the horizontal stroke. 'Crossbar' is slightly more common for letters like 'A' and 'H', while 'cross stroke' can apply to 't', 'f', etc.
Yes, but it is highly specialist. It means to make such a stroke, as in 'to cross stroke a letter', and is used primarily by calligraphers, typographers, or sports coaches.
No. It is a low-frequency technical term. Learners only need to know it if they are studying typography, graphic design, calligraphy, or specific sports at an advanced level.
A horizontal line that intersects a vertical or diagonal line in writing or typography.
Cross stroke is usually technical/specialist in register.
Cross stroke: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkrɒs ˌstrəʊk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkrɔːs ˌstroʊk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the cross stroke as the 'cross' on a 't' – it's the horizontal line that crosses the vertical one.
Conceptual Metaphor
BRIDGING/CONNECTION (it connects two sides of a letter form).
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'cross stroke' LEAST likely to be used?